R350 Grant Payments For January Commence. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has initiated the disbursement of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments for January 2024. More than seven million individuals will receive their R350 grant payments in the upcoming days.
R350 Payment Schedule and Process
Approved applicants for the R350 grant will receive their payments starting from 25 January 2024, with distribution continuing until 31 January 2024. Contrary to other Sassa grants paid at the beginning of the month, SRD grant payments are scheduled for the final week due to the completion of the verification process during this anticipated timeframe.
It is important to note that although grant payments are processed within these dates, the funds may only reflect in the beneficiary’s bank account after 2 – 3 working days.
Eligibility Criteria for the R350 Grant
To qualify for the R350 grant in South Africa, applicants must meet specific criteria. They should be South African citizens, permanent residents, or special permit holders. Additionally, recipients should not be receiving other government support in the form of UIF benefits or NSFAS bursaries, and their bank account balance should be less than R624.
Verification Process and Applicant Checks
Sassa conducts applicant verification in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs for identity and citizenship checks. Bank details are shared with the Department of Treasury for income verification. The bank verification process duration varies, and once completed, the verified information is handed over to Sassa for grant payment.
Sassa proceeds with grant payments only when they are satisfied that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements. Due to the time-consuming nature of verification checks, grants are disbursed at the end of the month.
Checking Grant Status and Appeals Process
Sassa encourages grant beneficiaries to perform a status check to confirm if their grant application was approved. If an SRD Sassa Application is rejected, applicants can submit an SRD grant appeal to the Independent Tribunal For Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
Extension of SRD Grant and President Emphasis
Initially designed as a short-term temporary grant during lockdowns, the SRD grant has been extended for an additional 12 months, with payments continuing until March 2025.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the grant has played a crucial role in preventing millions from falling into poverty, despite its relatively small value. The extension, announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, underscores its continued significance for individuals without any income.
